4 Best Types of Grass for a Lush Miami Lawn

The idea that Florida is full of palm trees and scrub grass is an unfair stereotype. The state in general overflows with lush greenery—just look at the Everglades—but even homes and apartments in cities and towns all over the state have gorgeous, well-kept lawns. Just because you live in Miami, it doesn’t mean that you have to rely on a lawn made of Astroturf or crushed shells. Several types of grass thrive in the humid climate of Miami. Using the blades you like best, you can turn your front and backyards into a fertile, lush oasis with grass that feels as plush as carpet underfoot. When it comes to lawn care in Miami, here are the four best types of grass for your home.

1. St. Augustine Grass

Hands down, St. Augustine grass is the most favored type of grass for Miami lawns. Its status comes down to its tendency to grow like a weed without resembling one—that is, it springs up faster than you can blink. It’s an ideal pick for warm areas because it hates the cold. It’s not particularly fond of shade, either, so don’t worry about filling your yard with trees, and don’t trash talk your grass.

St. Augustine, known scientifically as Stenotaphrum secundatum, is practically impervious to drought, which is another bonus. Miami’s average temperatures soar relatively high all year long, and they’re especially sweltering in the summer. The grass doesn’t care. Perhaps even more importantly, it’s not bothered by extreme salt levels.

You have an impressive variety of St. Augustine grasses from which to choose. The array is so vast that you can find turf that’s suitable for any neighborhood in Miami, from Buena Vista and Little Havana to Wynwood and Coconut Grove. Floratam is the most popular type of St. Augustine grass, but it doesn’t do well in the cold. Palmetto is dense, richly green, and short enough that you don’t need to mow more than a few times a month. Seville has fine blades and a dense growth pattern. Though it’s sensitive to chilly temperatures, it’s tolerant of both sun and shade.

2. Centipede Grass

Don’t be spooked by the name. Centipede grass doesn’t resemble the bug in the slightest. Miami homeowners and apartment dwellers who want a lovely lawn but aren’t terribly interested in maintaining it ought to consider laying down seeds or sod to grow a yard full of Centipede. It grows low, eliminating the need to mow it often. Cold or hot temperatures, dry or humid, it grows in nearly any type of environment. Keep away the salt, but other than that, all you need to do is feed it with some fertilizer on a semi-regular schedule.

3. Bahia Grass

Bahia is a Brazilian grass that does well in the Southern region of the United States due to its ability to thrive in sandy soil. It’s usually the preferred grass for pastures, but these days, it’s also an up-and-comer in the world of residential lawns. That’s mainly due to its versatility. Like St. Augustine, there are several types of Bahia grass perfect for lawns in Miami.

Argentine Bahia grass is perhaps best for a yard in the city. It’s tolerant of the cold, and it’s able to resist the diseases and problems that typically plague sod. In fact, it’s even resistant to insects. Care for it properly, and the grass grows in thick, giving off a dark verdant color. However, Pensacola is a close second, and it’s an apt pick for any lawn in Florida.

That’s not to say that Bahia grass is impervious to problems. Try to avoid salt water and don’t lay down the sod in high traffic areas. Pay attention to which type of grass you get, as well. Some are tolerant of the cold while others can easily withstand a drought.

4. Buffalo Grass

With a blue-green hue and curling blades that resemble leaves, Buffalo grass is the go-to for yards that have difficult soil. If your lawn is stubborn and defeats most other kinds of grass. Choose this type of sod for yards that have little to no shade. Buffalo grass hates the shade and thrives under the sun.

You have a wealth of choices to sod your Miami lawn. Think about your yard. What do you want to do with it? How’s the soil? Think about those aspects as you get ready to put down a fresh green lawn in Miami.